NJ Supreme Court Hears Beach Dune Case

The New Jersey Supreme Court will decide an issue crucial to the future of the Jersey shore in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy: whether oceanfront homeowners deserve cash compensation when protective dune projects block their views of the water.

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The state wants a protective system in place along the entire 127-mile coast. But it needs permission from oceanfront property owners and some of them have held out for cash settlements or jury awards.

The justices on Monday considered a $375,000 judgment awarded to a couple who claimed a dune project in Harvey Cedars blocked their ocean view. Harvey and Phyllis Karan say it lowered the value of their $1.9 million property by $500,000.

The town offered $300, saying they benefited from the dune's protection.